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California Pretrial Reform: The Next Step in Realignment (2017)

"The report describes California’s current pretrial system and notes that a majority of jail beds in California are filled by people either awaiting trial or sentencing—many of whom remain in jail simply because they cannot afford bail. It explains why California’s wealth-based system of money bail is ineffective at achieving the pretrial goals of protecting public safety and ensuring court appearances, and it shows how this system harms defendants, their families, and their communities, especially poor communities and communities of color. The report advocates for pretrial reforms that would build on the principles of Realignment by moving away from wealth-based detention system."